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GM is Testing a New "Beast"
Andrew Evans
March 24, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren's Piastri wins Chinese GP
One-off Aston Rapide wagon for sale
Toyota's “Circular Factory” initiative
Ferrari fumbles for double disqualification
German consumer body seeks US pickup ban
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The US Secret Service has partnered with General Motors to develop a new presidential limousine and armored SUVs, with testing of the latest model, known as "The Beast", already underway. This collaboration follows a significant contract awarded to GM, reflecting the ongoing evolution of presidential security vehicles in response to modern threats.
Toyota is launching the Circular Factory initiative to manage end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) by repurposing, remanufacturing, and recycling components, aiming to minimize environmental impact while creating new revenue opportunities. This program, starting at the Burnaston plant in the UK, will process around 10,000 vehicles annually, recovering valuable materials and promoting a sustainable approach to automotive waste management across Europe.
Lewis Hamilton, a noted enthusiast of Ferrari, has expressed a desire to design his own model, tentatively named the F44, aiming to pay homage to the classic F40 with a manual transmission. While it's uncertain if this project will materialize, there has been speculation about its feasibility, especially given Ferrari's dwindling production of twin-turbocharged V8 engines.
A notable increase in Tesla trade-ins has been observed, rising from 0.4% to 1.4% over the past year, as some owners express dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's political affiliations and the backlash against them. This trend suggests that traditional automakers and new electric vehicle companies may benefit from the shifting preferences of disenchanted Tesla customers.
The shift towards unconventional gear selectors in modern vehicles has left many drivers perplexed, as traditional shifters are increasingly replaced by dials, touchscreens, and other complex mechanisms. While some manufacturers aim for innovation, concerns about safety and usability persist, prompting discussions about the balance between modern design and intuitive functionality.
BMW has halted orders for the M8 Coupe, indicating its phased discontinuation, while the M8 Convertible and Gran Coupe will remain available until the entire 8 Series lineup is set to be retired by 2026. Although there are no plans for a direct successor to the M8, a new performance model may be in development, potentially representing a shift towards fully electric offerings in the future.
California has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with the number of charging stations now surpassing gas pumps due to the state's strong commitment to EV adoption. As part of efforts to enhance accessibility and reliability, the state is investing in expanding charging options and aims for a future where a majority of new vehicle sales are zero-emission by 2030.
Researchers in China have introduced a technique that reportedly recovers nearly all lithium from used electric vehicle batteries, along with significant amounts of nickel, cobalt, and manganese. This method, known as "neutral leaching", minimizes the use of harmful chemicals, enhances safety, and reduces environmental effects, achieving material separation in just 15 minutes during lab tests.
Tesla's ambitions for its Full Self-Driving technology have faced significant setbacks, particularly in the UK, where many of its driver-assist features have been prohibited due to safety concerns. While the company initially aimed for a high level of automation, regulatory changes have limited its capabilities to basic functions, requiring drivers to maintain control during operation.
MOTORSPORT
McLaren secured a 1-2 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri taking his third victory from his first pole position by ten seconds over team-mate Lando Norris. The Australian driver felt that he deserved the result after enduring a difficult home race the previous weekend, describing the car as “pretty mega the whole time”, as he now sits fourth in the early driver standings.
Ferrari has responded to the disqualifications of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from the Chinese Grand Prix, where they initially placed fifth and sixth. Both drivers were removed from the official results due to technical violations, with Leclerc's car being underweight and Hamilton's vehicle showing excessive wear on its skid-block, marking a notable event in the team's history.
Liam Lawson is feeling the pressure to secure his position with Red Bull F1 after experiencing another challenging race weekend in China, where he struggled to qualify and failed to earn points. With Yuki Tsunoda expressing readiness to step in, Lawson acknowledges the urgency to improve his performance before the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, a track where he has prior experience.
Lando Norris expressed confidence in handling the competitive dynamics with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as both vie for the championship title. Following Piastri's recent victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, which brought him closer to Norris in the standings, both drivers emphasized their commitment to racing fairly while supporting each other's performance.
George Russell expressed his disappointment regarding the dominance of the one-stop strategy during the Chinese Grand Prix, which hindered his efforts to surpass McLaren. Despite finishing third and achieving consecutive podiums, he felt frustrated that the strategy became apparent too late to capitalize on a potential win against the McLaren drivers.
Max Verstappen is set to participate in an urgent meeting organized by Red Bull following the Chinese Grand Prix, where he secured a fourth-place finish. The team aims to address the performance issues of its RB21 car, which has struggled against the dominant McLaren MCL39, as it seeks to identify and rectify the underlying problems affecting its competitiveness.
Yuki Tsunoda faced challenges during the Chinese Grand Prix, concluding the race without scoring points due to a flawed strategy and a front wing malfunction. Despite initially starting strong, the team's decision to implement a two-stop strategy ultimately hindered their performance, prompting Tsunoda to emphasize the need for improved race strategies moving forward.
Australian newcomer Jack Doohan has not yet earned any points in his first two races of 2025 - extending his streak to three races - and he left the Chinese Grand Prix with four penalty points on his super-licence due to incidents on the track. Following a collision in the sprint race and an altercation with a fellow rookie, Doohan faces the risk of a race ban if he accumulates 12 points within a year, while his team Alpine remains the only one without points this season.
Haas Formula 1 team principal Ayao Komatsu praised his squad's impressive turnaround after a challenging performance in Australia, culminating in a strong double top-10 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite acknowledging ongoing aerodynamic challenges with the VF-25, Komatsu emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork in achieving their recent success on a circuit that suited their car's characteristics.
Fernando Alonso expressed relief that his brake failure occurred at a high-speed corner rather than a slower one, as this helped him maintain control before retiring in the pits. He noted that while the car's performance showed slight improvement compared to previous races, both he and teammate Lance Stroll acknowledged the need for further development to secure points in upcoming events.
FUN STUFF
A German environmental and consumer advocacy group is pursuing legal action against the country's transport authority to obtain data on permits for large American trucks, such as the Ram 1500. The organization argues that these vehicles do not comply with European safety and emissions standards, raising concerns about their environmental impact and safety on local roads.
Wagons have become increasingly scarce, with high-performance models such as the BMW M5 Touring being particularly hard to find. Among these, a unique Aston Martin Rapide wagon stands out as the only one of its kind, and it is set to be auctioned, showcasing the brand's legacy of creating exceptional and rare shooting brakes.
A car owner in Georgia has taken a stand against his homeowners association after receiving fines for minor infractions, including parking issues and a mischaracterized vehicle project. In response, he is creatively challenging the HOA's authority while campaigning for its presidency to advocate for more reasonable regulations.
In a recent incident in Georgia, law enforcement pursued a Mazda 3 for 20 miles at speeds exceeding 100mph, ultimately deploying a PIT maneuver that resulted in collisions with two other vehicles. This event has sparked discussions regarding the appropriateness of police pursuit strategies, especially concerning the potential consequences for innocent parties involved.
A Ram 1500 encountered a sudden sinkhole in Buffalo, New York, after its front tire fell into a depression at a busy intersection, as captured by a nearby auto detailing shop's security camera. The Buffalo Sewer Authority is investigating the cause of this roadway collapse, which appeared moments before the truck's arrival, highlighting the importance of staying alert for potential hazards on the road.
A 1965 Buick Riviera, celebrated for its elegant design and innovative hidden headlights, is coming up for auction, through a highly sought-after Gran Sport model featuring a powerful V-8 engine and a recent cosmetic refresh. This particular vehicle boasts a rich history that includes once being displayed at the 1964 New York auto show, enhancing its appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1990 AAR-Toyota Eagle HF89, a notable contender in the IMSA GTP series, was crafted by Dan Gurney's All American Racers in collaboration with Toyota and achieved multiple victories under the skilled driving of Juan Manuel Fangio II. After a comprehensive restoration, this race car is now available for auction, complete with documentation and a valid FIA Historical Technical Passport.
While numerous aftermarket brands provide track systems for modern trucks and SUVs, a ready-made kit for an air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle is not available. Nonetheless, a dedicated enthusiast has transformed a 1968 Beetle into a unique tracked vehicle named the Battle Bug, which is currently on the market for $25,000 in Nashville, showcasing extensive custom modifications and a distinctive military-inspired aesthetic.
BCA Group, an Australian YouTube channel, recently showcased an impressive conversion of a 2002 Toyota Coaster Bus, transforming it into a spacious and functional mobile living space that surpasses typical RV offerings. This project, which cost around $100,000 AUD, features a rooftop deck, a well-equipped interior, and various outdoor amenities, making it an appealing option for those interested in unique bus conversions.
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